Child welfare

About

The Child Welfare Stipend Program (CWSP) is a partnership between the Virginia Department of Social Services and four state universities within Virginia (Radford University, Norfolk State University, George Mason University, and Virginia Commonwealth University). This specialized training program, funded through title IV-E of the Social Security Act, prepares BSW and MSW students for a career in child welfare.

Program Information

This program provides educational funding to Norfolk State University‘s BSW and MSW students who demonstrate a commitment to working in the field of public child welfare in Virginia. BSW students who are awarded the stipend receive funding equivalent to full-time, in-state tuition for their senior year. MSW students may receive funding equivalent to full-time in-state graduate tuition for their advanced year; stipends are available to MSW students in either the full-time and part-time programs.

Acceptance

Students accepted into this program receive a $10,000 stipend per academic year. In exchange for the stipend and extensive child welfare training, the stipend recipient must commit to work at a Local Department of Social Services within the state of Virginia (one calendar year for each academic year that the stipend was received). This employment obligation must begin within three (3) months of graduation.

Application Process

To apply, review the Program Guidelines and complete the application electronically. Submit an electronic or hard copy application to the Child Welfare Coordinator by the date indicated on the application.

Virginia Department of Social Services Supplemental Information

VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide.

National Title IV-E Website

National Title IV-E Website has been established to build Title IV-E Child Welfare Agency/University Partnerships among participating universities in the United States. This website is also a collaborative network among faculty in social work education programs with a focus on child welfare, both nationally and internationally.